Hey, I'm new to the forum and just picked up my first 280z. Amazing car but I'm a bit worried for it since its parked outside most of the time. I was going to get a modern security system, but was unsure of how practical it would be to put a system into an older car (its a 1977). While looking at systems I found the Grant steering wheel quick release which seems to be pretty practical and would probably deter more people than the average security system. Do any of you have experience with either security method? Any suggestions?

Also, I have an ignition cut off switch already hidden in the car as well as cylinder key locks for the doors.

Talk to Zondabrain.

My 240Z had a security system installed by the PO. It was a PITA, kept going off at random. I finally removed it and got a LoJack.

What are you talking about as far as what you want the "modern security system" to do? The ignition kill switch is usually fine as long as the thief doesn't hotwire the car under the hood. Killing the power to the fuel pump may be more effective. The thief would then have to figure out how to hotwire the fuel pump. IMHO, that would be more of a challenge.

Just be warned that many security systems will drain the battery, so if you don't drive your car often, expect to find a dead battery from time to time.

And just to clarify, Bryan was referring to Zs-ondabrain, aka Dave Irwin.

A fuel pump cut off switch is effective & inexpensive. I also pull the distributor rotor off when leaving the Z for an extended period. I've found that very few car thieves tend to carry a spare rotor for a '71 Datsun in their car stealing kit.

Also, choose your parking place wisely so the Z can't easily be towed or loaded on a flatbed.

Dennis

Cutoff switches are the way to go in my opinion. Mine has two (one for the starter and one for the fuel pump. They're cheap and easy to hide.

Jan

I found that a giant pair of red panties stretched across the steering wheel works very well - except at church, don't do it at church . BTW, giant red panties are available at any dollar store/Wally World.

Pop your hood - Take the coil wire that goes from the Distributor to the Coil. Easy to pop in and out.

Down south here we put 'em up on blocks. Seems to deter all but the most determined thieves.

Or even better, get a manual

http://jalopnik.com/5940410/once-again-car-thieves-thwarted-by-manual-transmission

I had one of those battery draining alarms on the Z I used to have, it went off if it sensed a voltage change from the dome light coming on when a door was opened. It had a timer so you had to turn the ignition on within 30 seconds or whatever the timer was set for after you got in the car otherwise it would go off. I set it off myself a few times taking too long to get the ignition on but it did prevent one theft. It never false alarmed.

  Pomorza said:

Or even better, get a manual

http://jalopnik.com/5940410/once-again-car-thieves-thwarted-by-manual-transmission[/QUOT

Will a factory service manual suffice? I suppose you could beat the thieves over the head with it.